Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) Emmanuel Akwettey has described the election petition hearing as good for Ghana’s democracy.

“Democracy thrives in peace; democracy requires the rule of law and justice. It does not tolerate impunity because it will undermine the system,” he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo and two others are challenging the 2012 election petition that saw President John Mahama emerge as the winner.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Akwettey stated that the verdict of the court case would not change Ghana’s electioneering process.

He explained that what “the court seeks to address is the infractions or irregularities that the petitioners brought and how widespread these irregularities were... if it can undermine the results.”

According to him, in a meeting with the national leaders in Kumasi, the two main objectives that were discussed were for them (national leaders) to take a stand against impunity and injustice as well as making sure that those who violate the law are dealt with.

The court would however not look at “the turbulence of our politics and the polarization that it creates which is making everyone uncomfortable and fearful,” he said.

According to Akwettey, there is a lot of fear and anxiety all around when you talk to people.

He indicated that incrementally, the reforms in the electoral processes would see a change since every four years, certain parts of the electoral process are changed.

“I think undoubtedly, with the issues that have been raised, once it has been certified that these things happen, there would be changes,” he said.

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